Jérôme Boateng explains why he rejected Manchester United move | OneFootball

Germany defender Jérôme Boateng has confirmed he rejected a move to Manchester United in the summer.

The Premier League side were intent on signing an established centre-back before the season. The club were heavily linked with Toby Alderweireld and Harry Maguire but ultimately missed out on a defender.

With negotiations for Alderweireld and Maguire barely moving, Manchester United turned their attention to Boateng towards the end of the window.

“I had enquiries from PSG and Manchester United,” the defender confirmed to Bild.

“I did not want just to get away from Bayern, but I was excited to try a new challenge.”

Bayern Munich were also public in their willingness to sell the 30-year-old but his suitors couldn’t offer the club or the player what was needed to get a deal done.

“I called José Mourinho,” Boateng admitted. “I told him that his interest was an honour for me and thanked him for trying so hard for me.

“I explained to José that it’s difficult to leave Bayern, and if I do, everything has to be in place to top this club.

“I feel good at Bayern. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world.”

Boateng was actively shipped around by Bayern president Uli Hoeneß and chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge during the summer but has started both of the club’s opening Bundesliga matches of the season.